We will discuss Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie's award winning novel, Americanah. This story chronicles the life of two people who leave their Nigeria homeland for the West, only to be separated and faced with the issues of racism, post-9/11 politics, and undocumented life.

Note that this title is widely available in the Monroe County Library, as well as electronically and in print.

Book Club will meet to discuss Rob Bell's, Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality.

This engaging, educational, and evocative book offers not only hope to those who have been wounded in relationships, but also sincere respect for the interconnectedness of people and their Creator. Don't let the title throw you - come, join us for conversation!

Note: this title is available in the Monroe County Public Library for those who do not wish to purchase it.

-- Kamille Plocinik, D.C.E

]]>Sun, 19 Apr 2015 19:41:37 GMThttp://www.spencerportucc.org/book-club/laura-hillenbrands-unbroken-may-18-at-430pmLaura Hillenbrand's, Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Recently made into a major motion picture, this book documents the experience of Olympic athlete and Army Air Force Bomber, Louis Zamperini. Floating in the Pacific Ocean for 47 days, he is picked up by the Japanese navy. What will come of Lieutenant Zamperini?

We will be reading, Everyday Spiritual Practice: Simple Pathways for Enriching Your Life by Scott W. Alexander.

Forty inspiring contributors share their personal spiritual practices for making each day more meaningful and satisfying--from meditation and prayer, to recycling and vegetarianism, to quilting and art. This collection suggests a wide variety of ways in which you can spiritually examine, shape, and care for your life, to achieve wholeness, satisfaction, depth, and meaning.

Book club will meet on Monday December 8 at 4:00pm to discuss Sharon Garlough Brown's, Sensible Shoes: A Story About the Spiritual Journey. A work of Christian Fiction written by a pastor and spiritual leader, this story focuses on four female strangers reluctantly coming together at a retreat center. As we, the readers, travel through the pages, we not only move from reluctance, to willingness, to acceptance with these four women, but also learn of spiritual practices we can incorporate in our own personal lives. Check out the website for more information, www.sensibleshoesclub.com.

We will be readingRob Shindler's, Hot Dogs and Hamburgers: Unlocking Life's Potential By Inspiring Literacy at Any Ageas part of the UCC Reading Changes Lives literacy justice initiative.

This moving and heartwarming work follows Shindler's experience not only as a father whose son struggles with reading, but also as a volunteer working with illiterate people in the Chicago area. It is said to be inspiring that those who read it will be motivated to take part in eliminating illiteracy as well! ﻿

Come join us on our journey! Five (5) copies will soon be available for either borrowing or purchase. Additional copies can be purchased from UCC Resources or from Amazon (including a Kindle version).

We will be discussing Sue Monk Kidd's historical novel The Invention of Wings.The book centers on the daughter of an elite Charleston family during the 19th century who is given a 10 year old slave for her 11th birthday.The two form a complicated bond spanning three decades. It is a story of loss and triumph.Hope you can join us.

The book we will be discussing is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.The story is set in Alaska in the 1920's.Two homesteaders, Jack and Mabel, who are childless, decide to build a child out of snow. The result is very surprising.The Snow Child will keep you in its spell until the conclusion.Please join us.

Orphan Train is a gripping story of friendship and second chances from Christina Baker Kline, author of Bird in Hand and The Way Life Should Be. Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” out of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse... As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.